Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 87
  3. Negative: 8 out of 87
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  1. vixvicco
    Aug 7, 2012
    6
    Decent game, the best game-play and graphics out of all three games, however, overall I would say I still found this tedious. Whilst this installment allows for much more freedom than the previous games, it still suffers from the same issues: time constraints and repetition. You must play in a very specific way to achieve the best possible set of endings (yes, there are about five or sixDecent game, the best game-play and graphics out of all three games, however, overall I would say I still found this tedious. Whilst this installment allows for much more freedom than the previous games, it still suffers from the same issues: time constraints and repetition. You must play in a very specific way to achieve the best possible set of endings (yes, there are about five or six variations). If you are a perfectionist, I would say reconsider and but I would also say the same if you are looking for some fun casual play. This game is pretty much a based on a huge grinding mechanic, much like the to others, the difference being that the story does little to motivate or interest. The people who will enjoy this most might be true JRPGs or anime fans, fans of the series or people who know exactly what they are looking for or what's in store for them.… Expand
  2. BratSinot
    Sep 13, 2013
    6
    Lots of content and cut-scenes. Much more than in the previous games Arland series. You see a lot, even if you do not play by the guide. The bad side is that you can not see everything on the first pass.
  3. erhanz
    Jun 30, 2014
    6
    Just finished this crafting/simulation RPG game. A few years after Totori becomes a famous alchemist, Totori left Arland and become an alchemist in the Kingdom of Lars. There she met the princess, Meruru. Meruru, while being a princess of Arls, she is more interested in becoming an alchemist than being a royalty. In 6 years, Arland and Arls will merge into one country. And before that,Just finished this crafting/simulation RPG game. A few years after Totori becomes a famous alchemist, Totori left Arland and become an alchemist in the Kingdom of Lars. There she met the princess, Meruru. Meruru, while being a princess of Arls, she is more interested in becoming an alchemist than being a royalty. In 6 years, Arland and Arls will merge into one country. And before that, Meruru promised to be a great alchemist and helps her people. Well, same old game with different characters i guess.

    Plus point:
    - This game has a great visual. I mean the characters looks really cute, and everything seems so colorful.
    - A clear objective! You got a request from townspeople, and you achieve it and develop a new building for something new for your kingdom.
    - Returning characters from previous game. Almost all of them shows up i guess. Like Sterk, Gino, Mimi, even Rorona in her child form. And then there's Esty, Gio, Filly, Astrid and Hom! Well all of them have grown up. Especially Gino and Sterk, these two characters looks really cool!

    Minus point:
    - I can't seem to point this out enough. Level is not important here, what's important is equipments. But the thing is, you can't make a better equipment until later. And they won't tell you how to unlock the gears. Sucks.
    - The story isn't that strong. I mean, you play as Meruru, and you'll see her everyday life. Everything that happens are mostly daily stuffs. I supposed it could be much better than just that.

    After all of it, i think that this game is the best from the Arland Trilogy. 6.5/10 for this game.    … Expand
  4. SaadAnime
    Sep 22, 2020
    5
    ATELIER MERURU: THE APPRENTICE OF ARLAND is a role play game with really mediocre mechanics, gameplay , and story, a mediocre game that all I can say to it , not the best but also not the worst

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Play UK
    Aug 7, 2012
    35
    Not only is it boring, but it's dodgy as hell. [Issue#221, p.81]
  2. GameCritics
    Jul 23, 2012
    95
    Atelier Meruru is so wonderful that it became the first JRPG since Final Fantasy VII that I've played through more than once. Simple enough for anyone to play, but deep enough to offer 100+ hours worth of gameplay, Atelier Meruru is a great title full stop.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jul 17, 2012
    50
    The turn-based combat is swift and (overly) simple. [Aug 2012, p.117]
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